Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine on Sunday released his 2026 Recommended Operating Budget, a $4.3 billion plan that he said balances fiscal responsibility with key investments in public safety, clean water, and family services. The proposal complies with New York State’s property tax cap while addressing slowing sales tax growth and broader economic challenges.
“This budget strikes the right balance between fiscal discipline and forward-thinking investments,” Romaine said. “It protects the services our residents depend on, strengthens our public safety, and manages dollars responsibly.”
Public safety is at the center of the plan. The budget funds new classes of police officers, deputy sheriffs, probation officers, and correction officers. The Suffolk Police Department will continue expanding its Street Takeover Task Force, drugged-driving prevention efforts, and the county’s Crime Analysis Center. The Sheriff’s Office will modernize operations with new technology, while the District Attorney’s Office will sustain initiatives like the Fentanyl Task Force and Suffolk’s first Cold Case Task Force. Romaine noted Suffolk currently has the lowest violent crime rate of any New York county with more than one million residents.
The budget also emphasizes environmental protection. A voter-approved sales tax increase will fund wastewater and sewer upgrades, with all sewer districts consolidated into a single management district in 2026. Romaine said the move will safeguard drinking water and local waterways for future generations.
Services for families and children are slated for expansion, including preschool special education and early intervention programs. Child Protective caseloads have dropped to record lows, while food assistance applications now meet federal timeliness benchmarks.
The county faces rising pension costs of $20.5 million and increasing employee health care expenses. Romaine said Suffolk will offset those pressures with plan changes, new administrative savings, and use of reserves. Since 2022, Suffolk has tapped reserves to cut $295 million in debt, saving taxpayers nearly $100 million in interest.
Other changes include consolidating transportation oversight under the Department of Economic Development and Planning, transferring seasonal EMT services to Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, and adding forestry positions to the Parks Department.
“This budget is about responsible government that delivers results,” Romaine said.